Group finds evidence of wind spreading GM canola

A group opposed to genetic modification says it has found evidence of wind spreading GM canola in the Wimmera.

GM Cropwatch says tests it has done have shown canola found on a roadside near Horsham, is a genetically modified variety.

The group's Jessica Harrison says recent strong winds have blown the G-M canola up to 74 metres from the paddock where it was sown.

She says the distance of the canola's spread is not surprising.

"Oh, not really, because you see pictures of whirlwinds, in fact of the Network of Concerned Farmers' website you can see huge dust storms crossing over Western Australia and, so, really, 74m is probably a fairly small amount considering how light the harvested GM canola is and the fact it's drying out and ready for harvest," she said.

The farmer growing the GM canola, Geoff Rethus, declined to comment.

But the GM canola seed company, Monsanto, says describing the roadside discovery as 'contamination' is a gross exaggeration.

The company's Mark Buckingham says the crop's movement in the wind is within the regulations for GM canola.

"Whilst I recognise those growers who don't want to use GM are out there, this sort of movement is what would be expected and it doesn't affect their ability to do what they want to in the market place, in our view," he said.